Yamaha A/V Receivers RX-V457, 557, 657 and 757

Review by Nick Townsend

Yamaha’s latest range of A/V Receivers brings small but worthwhile updates

Overview
It doesn’t seem all that long ago that the ’50 Series of Yamaha A/V receivers were released , but an updated range is now available. The Yamaha ’57 Series of A/V receivers now replace the ’50 Series. No major internal or external changes have taken place with the ’57 Series, but some handy features have been added to make the new Series even better value than their already impressive predecessors. This review will focus on the RX-V457, RX-V557, RX-V657 and RX-V757 A/V Receivers. Call me a lazy bum if you want, but I think four in-depth analyses bundled into a single evaluation is a great idea. I should do this more often! Just think – four reviews for the price of one!…or something….

Specifications
Below are the basic features and key differences between the models. Those features in red indicate an additional feature over the model below it.

RXV-457 (RRP $699):

• 85 watts x 6 channels
• 192kHz/24-Bit DACs for all channels
• 3 digital audio inputs (2 optical, 1 coaxial)
• 2 component video inputs/1 output
• 3 s-video inputs/1 output
• Front A/V inputs
• 14 DSP programs
• 6 channel external decoder input
• Pre-programmed remote control
• Lip-sync adjustment

RXV-557 (RRP $899):

• 90 watts x 6 channels
• Full video up-conversion: composite › s-video › component
• Down conversion from s-video to composite
• 4 digital audio inputs/1 output
• Zone 2 capability for audio (requires separate power amp to power Zone 2)
• Zone 2 power on/off on front panel
• Remote IR port
• 12V trigger

RXV-657 (RRP $1099):

• 95 watts x 7 channels
• YPAO (automatic calibration setup)
• On screen display
• 5 digital audio inputs/1 output
• Volume trim function
• Powered Zone 2
• 8 channel decoder input
• 8 channel pre-out connections (to connect external power amplifier)
• S-video/optical digital audio input on front panel

RXV-757 (RRP $1399):

• 100 watts x 7 channels
• phono input
• learning remote control with LCD readout

All these A/V receivers are compatible with the latest surround sounds formats: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, DTS and DTS-ES (Matrix and Discrete), Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS Neo:6 and DTS 96/24. Each of these A/V receivers also has a large range of what Yamaha calls ‘DSP surround programs’ - these can be activated while listening to either 5.1/6.1 surround sound soundtracks or stereo soundtracks. Some DSP surround programs significantly alter the sound of the original soundtrack, while others are more subtle in their effect. The reasoning behind the DSP programs is to allow the user to customise or tweak the sound to his or her liking. The large range of DSP modes available is a unique feature on Yamaha A/V receivers. While many of the features of each receiver mentioned above are self-explanatory, I’ll explain some of the features in more detail:

Zone 2 (RX-V557 and upwards) allows you to send a second stereo audio signal to a second room. This audio signal can be the same as the one being played in the main listening area, or can be different. For example, you can have a movie going in 5.1 in the main listening area, and the radio going in the second room simultaneously. The volume in the second room can be adjusted independently of the main room volume. The RX-V557 needs a separate power amplifier to run Zone 2.

Video up-conversion simply upgrades the video input signal that is being fed into the A/V receiver to the highest quality input signal that your TV/monitor can accept. This handy little feature reduces cable clutter and means that you don’t have to change A/V channels on your TV every time you switch from one input to another. Very handy if you have several people using the A/V receiver. As far as I know, the inclusion of component video up-conversion on the RX-V557 makes it the cheapest A/V receiver on the market with this feature.

Pre-programmed remote controls that come with A/V receivers are able to operate other components in your system, such as your TV, DVD player and VCR. Pre-programmed remote controls will operate most components and most brands, although not all. A learning remote control has the ability to control almost any component no matter what the brand, and is therefore more flexible than a pre-programmed remote control.

Setup
These Yamaha receivers were reviewed in a room measuring approximately 4m x 5m, with 3m ceilings. Each receiver was set up manually, using a Sound Pressure Level (SPL) meter to equalize speaker volumes, and a tape measure to determine speaker distances from the listening position. The RX-V657 and RX-V757 have an on-screen display that makes the task of setting various parameters much easier. The same two receivers also have an auto-calibration setup feature (Yamaha call it YPAO……what the!?), but it was not used to make adjustments. I did however compare the auto setup results with the manual settings and they were very similar. I’d suggest using the auto setup feature if the manual setup menu screen makes no sense to you what-so-ever…or if you’re just too lazy to spend 10 minutes setting it up manually! (I’d say something more offensive here, but only Steve can get away with that sort of thing….). All speakers were set to small and subwoofer crossover set to 80Hz.

Performance
Listening sessions started with a couple of DVDs that we often use in our demonstration rooms. First up was Jurassic Park III, a movie that opens with a wallop and never lets up. With all four A/V receivers utilising the same digital decoding chips, the first thing that stood out was how similar they all sounded with this movie. And I don’t mean that in a bad way. Skip forward to chapter 5 where people are getting eaten, planes are crashing and the T-Rex is roaring, and you’ll be wowed by the weight and scale that these four A/V receivers generate. These impressive sound attributes alone make the RX-V457 an absolute bargain. The extra power that the RX-V657 and RX-V757 possess mean demanding action scenes have a little more clout at very high volume levels. If your speakers are inefficient the extra power will come in handy.

Like the ‘50 Series, these current receivers exhibit a more forward, exciting presentation than earlier Yamaha A/V receivers, whose sound was considered to be warmer and more restrained when it came to belting out movie soundtracks. Surround sound steering and placement of localised effects is accurate and seamless. In Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World every splintering bit of wood and cannon ball fired is heard during the terrifying battle scenes between British and French war vessels. In a different but no less engrossing way, all four Yamaha receivers also create a truly spooky atmosphere during the climactic scenes of Signs - it actually sounds like there is something walking around on your roof.
But these receivers aren’t all about loud bang and crash – they carry subtle scenes during the calmer moments of movies very well. When the British frigate and its crew is not being blown to bits by their adversary in Master and Commander, the creaking of the ship and the quiet whisper of wind below the deck surrounds you so convincingly, that you could be forgiven for thinking you have actually been transported back to 1805 and are aboard a British Man o’ War.

During the listening sessions I experimented with the various DSP modes. Some DSP programs add greatly to the overall atmosphere of movies that possess only a Dolby Digital 2.0 soundtrack, but I prefer to hear Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 soundtracks without any DSP processing. This is a personal preference, however I know of several people who listen to 5.1 soundtracks with DSP programs engaged. It’s a great tool for those of you who like to fiddle with your sound.
One feature of the RX-V657 and RX-V757 that is not available on any other brand of receiver is the ability to connect two small speakers called ‘presence’ speakers. These are placed above, and out from, the left and right front speakers. These additional speakers serve to add height and ambience to the front soundstage of a surround sound mix, to better duplicate the acoustics of a cinema (Cinemas use several speakers behind their large, acoustically transparent movie screens). The result can be particularly effective if you employ a projector and large screen for your viewing. A diagram showing where presence speakers are placed in a surround system is shown below.

Turning to stereo performance, all four A/V receivers reviewed here held up surprisingly well. A/V receivers have traditionally been disappointing when it comes to accurate stereo music performance, however many have come a long way in the last couple of years, and Yamaha is no exception. The more forward sound of Yamaha’s receivers combined with better timing reveals more detail in most musical genres. All four receivers can keep up with a complicated mix like Missy Elliot’s Get Ur Freak On, and the various strings and dominant kick drum present in many of Keith Urban’s tracks are reproduced in a faithful and energetic manner. These receivers will not match a $1,000 dedicated stereo amplifier, but you would have to be listening fairly critically to notice any real difference.

Last words

All four of these Yamaha A/V receivers perform admirably at their respective price points, but if I had to pick a winner, I would take home the RX-V657. Its features and performance are unequalled by any other brand of A/V receiver at its price level. Component up-conversion, Zone 2, automatic setup, on-screen display, 5 digital inputs – for $1,099 it’s a steal. But if you didn’t have the need for a powered Zone 2 function, the RX-V557 is also a winner. Its component up-conversion feature is a great thing to have for convenience. And if you require Zone 2 in the future you can always add a power amplifier.
After writing this review I’m predicting we’ll get a few emails, going something along the lines of "So if they all of these receivers sound so similar, why shouldn’t I just buy the cheaper RX-V457 and be on my way?" Well we won’t hold this against you, as the excellent performance that this receiver provides may be all you need. However if you want a receiver with more features and flexibility, that’s where the three other receivers come in. The main thing that sets these receivers apart are the different features that they possess, not their sound quality Which one you decide upon depends on what you need your receiver to do, and your budget. If you’re not sure about the former, feel free to ring us or come in and have a chat, and we’ll point you in the right direction. If you’re not sure about the latter, buy the RX-V757, as we make more money out of it!